In the 21st Century, there’s no getting around the essential nature of technology. When it comes to using the latest technology, where do you and your nonprofit fit? Ask yourself the following questions: Do you sleep outside the Apple store the night before a new phone drops? If so, then you’re an early adopter. Do you simply have to get the newest phone each time one comes out? If so, then you’re part of the early majority. Is your phone a little worn or outdated, but still good enough to use for as long as possible? If so, then you belong to the late majority. Are you still using a flip ph ..read more

As a fundraiser, you’re expected to do a lot of writing. Annual appeals, grant applications, thank you letters, emails, donor stories, newsletters, annual reports. The list goes on and on. In fact, you may spend a large chunk of every workday writing. And regardless of whether you enjoy writing or believe yourself to be a good writer, writing can sometimes be a drag. It can also feel redundant if you find yourself telling the same story over and over. 6 Tips to Overcome Writer’s Block as a Fundraiser The challenge for you as a fundraiser is to constantly come up with new and interesting ways ..read more

Capital Campaigns are the pinnacle of fundraising. There’s truly no better way to boost your fundraising skills and capacity than to conduct a successful campaign. So, if you want to be a fundraising superstar at your organization (and among your peers), now could be a great time to lead the charge with a capital campaign. Big, Bold Thinking Fuels a Capital Campaign If your organization hasn’t done a campaign in the last few years, the last decade, or ever, it’s time to start planning. Most campaigns start with a strategic planning process and the realization among staff and board members tha ..read more

Recruitment and retention of great board members are two major issues for many nonprofit organizations, but I always wonder why? Is it possible that no one cares about your cause? Unlikely. Although there are many tasks to do in order to recruit and retain great board members, it’s basically as simple as finding people who are passionate about your cause, willing to act on that passion, and have skills and connections that your organization needs. I know, I know — it’s easier said than done. But there are some basic steps which most nonprofit organizations are simply not taking to recruit GRE ..read more

You’re finally ready to ask a prospective donor for a gift… You’ve prepared. You’ve practiced. You’ve overcome your fear of asking a donor for a gift. So you make the ask, wait patiently for a response, and the person says, “No.” Your heart sinks. When a Donor Says “No” How do you know when a donor says “no” that it really means “no” — as in “not ever”? I tell my kids “no” all the time. Yet, it doesn’t stop them from asking me for something again, and again, and again. They do this for a variety of reasons — but mostly because they’ve learned that sometimes a “no” can turn into “yes,” parti ..read more

As a fundraiser, securing major gifts is a key aspect of your role. Major gifts can provide significant funding for your organization and can help to establish long-lasting relationships with your donors. However, it’s important to remember that the process of securing a major gift is somewhat delicate. 7 Ways Fundraisers Can Sabotage Their Major Gifts Program Here are seven ways that fundraisers can inadvertently sabotage their major gifts program, potentially damaging relationships with donors and board members alike. 1. Failing to Build Relationships One of the most common mistakes that fu ..read more

Major gift fundraising is a crucial component of any nonprofit organization’s revenue stream, and setting goals is a vital part of ensuring the success of a major gift fundraising effort. If you are like many other fundraisers, you may have general fundraising goals, but are less likely to have major gift goals specifically. Having specific goals for your major gift program will help increase the chances you will succeed. After all, if you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t know when you’ve arrived. In other words, to succeed at raising major gifts, you must set a goal. 3 Reasons Every ..read more

How often do you take a step back from your organization and look at the bigger picture? If you do, I’m guessing you’ll discover there are lessons nonprofit organizations can learn from for-profit businesses. I’d like you to try a little thought exercise… Stop fundraising — just for an hour or two. Take a little time to think about some more effective and efficient ways to run your organization, as well as potential alternative revenue sources. A Nonprofit Business Mindset In the business world, investment is not a dirty word. In fact, businesses are expected to invest in technology, research ..read more

Like most people, I’m not the best at keeping resolutions — and yet, I always make them. Why do we torture ourselves if we fail at keeping resolutions year after year? It’s because we believe we can do better, holding out hope. And with the right formula, we can succeed. From Fundraising Resolutions to Goals You might do better to switch your terminology and thought process from resolutions to goals. Reflect upon your successes and failures from last year. What are you most proud of? If you really think about it, you probably did a lot of great things last year. But in the areas where you fel ..read more

While trying to decide what to write for my final post of the year, I looked back over some of my older posts for inspiration. I cherry-picked a collection of nuggets that I hope will be inspirational and motivational. Everyone Should Have a BHAG, Including You! I began the year with a post about creating a BHAG, a Big Hairy Audacious Goal and the importance of goal setting. As you reflect on the last twelve months, can you identify specific accomplishments? Did you set a BHAG? Did you achieve your goal? If not, did you come close? Regardless, consider what lessons you learned along the way ..read more